Trump imposes $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, raising hurdles for foreign workers

US President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 H-1B visa fee, sparking concerns for Indian and Pakistani professionals as 85,000 yearly slots face unprecedented costs, reshaping global tech talent migration.

WEBDESK with AP, AFP, Reuters 

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday announced a sweeping change to the H-1B visa program, introducing a new $100,000 annual application fee, which he described as an effort to encourage companies to hire more American workers.

The H-1B program is one of the most sought-after visa categories globally, particularly among skilled workers in technology and finance. Every year, the U.S. issues 85,000 visas through a lottery system — 65,000 for applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher, and an additional 20,000 for those holding advanced U.S. degrees.

According to U.S. government data, India accounts for more than 70% of approved visas, while China stands second. Pakistan, although a smaller player, has seen thousands of its engineers, IT specialists, and finance professionals apply annually, hoping to secure a foothold in the U.S. tech sector.

A blow for South Asian talent

Analysts say the new six-figure fee will hit South Asian applicants the hardest, particularly from India and Pakistan, where aspiring workers often rely on company sponsorships to cover costs. For many Pakistani applicants, who already face stiff competition and high rejection rates, the announcement is seen as a major setback.

“This is effectively a wall against skilled workers,” said one Islamabad-based immigration consultant. “For Pakistanis, where the rupee is already weak against the dollar, a $100,000 fee is beyond reach unless U.S. companies foot the bill.”

India’s tech community, which provides tens of thousands of workers annually to Silicon Valley, is also expected to face disruptions. Critics warn the measure could slow down the U.S. tech sector’s growth and deepen labor shortages in specialized fields.

Trump’s push for ‘American jobs’

Defending the move, Trump said the measure will ensure companies prioritize domestic talent.

“If you’re going to train somebody, you’re going to train one of the recent graduates from our great universities. Train Americans. Stop bringing in people to take our jobs,” he said at the White House.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed the president, adding, “All of the big companies are on board. This ensures Americans get the first shot.”

Alternatives for the wealthy

In a parallel announcement, Trump introduced a “Trump Gold Card” visa — an expedited pathway to U.S. citizenship for foreigners able to pay $1 million, with corporate sponsorships starting at $2 million.

While critics call it a “pay-to-play citizenship scheme,” the administration argues it will attract wealthy investors and entrepreneurs to the U.S.

Industry reaction

U.S. tech giants, which rely heavily on H-1B workers, expressed concern. In 2025 alone, Amazon and AWS secured 12,000 approved visas, while Microsoft and Meta had around 5,000 each. Adding a $100,000 fee could cost them billions annually.

Supporters of the reform argue the program has been exploited, with companies hiring foreign workers as cheaper labor. Detractors counter that the U.S. risks losing its competitive edge to countries like Canada, which has actively courted foreign tech talent with easier immigration policies.

It remains unclear when the new fee will take effect or if it could face legal challenges, as U.S. visa fees are typically set by Congress.

For now, however, Pakistanis and Indians eyeing careers in America face one of the steepest financial hurdles yet — raising fears that the American dream for many skilled workers may be slipping further out of reach.